ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Since the inception of dancehall, raggamuffin deejays have often relied on their singing counterparts to deliver the crucial hook and add the much-needed pop sensibility. Chaka Demas had Pliers, Beenie Man toured with Little Kirk, Buju Banton performed with Wayne Wonder and Shaggy has Rayvon. So is the case with gospel deejay extraordinaire Monty G who has toured for years with his trusty sidekick Reubin Heights. While Monty G is notorious for introducing the hottest new artists on the gospel reggae scene, you may be surprised to learn that a few of these artists are family members (Mr. Lynx and Danno Rolle) and most of them have been with his posse since its inception. Loyalty runs deep with the Lion of Judah Crew especially in the relationship between Monty and his fellow crooner Reubin Heights. In fact "Riddim Invasion 1," the first dancehall compilation put out by Lion of Judah back in 2001 has Heights (then known as Reubin) singing the first song. Since then Reubin has graced album after album put out by Frost and Monty and amassed a massive collection of hits. Following the release of Monty G and Reubin�s (Live) In the Holy Land CD/DVD, Reubin Heights was perfectly prepped for his freshman release. Over the years he has more than paid his dues and is well deserving of the belated release of his debut solo set. On "Heights of Great Men" Ruebin finally steps out from the shadows of his counterparts and gives us his own brand of pop reggae. While most of the tracks are Reggae, Dancehall or Soca, Reubin's vocals are more akin to an R&B/Hip Hop artist like Usher, singing in his rhythmic tenor over the synthesized beats. While this album may have an urban flare, the riddims clearly make this a Caribbean album. This record is primarily a dance/praise project as nine of the tracks are up-tempo dancehall or soca riddims with sweet melodies of praise and worship. Tracks like "Heaven to Earth" (Reubin's twist on "Lord I Lift Your Name On High"), "Lilly of the Valley" and "Dance 4 Ever" (featuring Monty G) are sure to get you in an attitude of worship and dance. More rootsy songs such as "Give God a Try" and "Good Feeling" give us a touch of the lovers rock vibe that we come to expect from a contemporary reggae singer. While Monty is featured on "Soul Winner" and Avalanchee can be heard on "Straight & Narrow," the strongest songs are tracks such as "No Weapon" (over the Jamrock riddim) when Reubin is allowed to shine on his own. If you like upbeat positive reggae that helps you enter into worship while cutting up some rug then this is the perfect album for you. After 8 years of recording on various artist compilations, Heights can finally stand on his own two feet and deliver a proud debut. Produced by Monty G and DJ Frost, "Heights of Great Men" is the perfect album for anyone looking for the Christian alternative to Wayne Wonder. Order your copy today! Review by Mark Mohr

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